There's a Little Something For Everyone
at Beit Tikvah Services

Our service formats have been designed to give you a choice in the types of services available. Some people like to attend a service that emphasizes singing and may include more innovative tunes and songs. Others want a service with more time for Torah study and group discussions. Many like a service that reminds them of the ones attended by their parents and grandparents, many prefer a service that is totally different than the one they grew up with. Our families enjoy sanctuary services that are geared to and include children. We hope that you will dip into our menu of services and find what they have to offer.

Click here to see the Schedule of Services for 5768

Description of Services

Note: The FIRST FRIDAY & SATURDAY of the month means the FIRST FULL WEEKEND.
(So, if the 1st of the month is a Saturday, the first full weekend begins the following Friday, the 7th.)

Ruach Service (A Rabbi-led Service - First Friday of the Month)
This Rabbi-led service translates the traditional Jewish liturgy into song and music with an emphasis on reaching the ruach (spirit) within ourselves. Guitarist Michael Raitzyk and guest musicians help us raise our voices in prayer. Click here for more details.

Erev Shabbes Live (A Rabbi-led Service - Third Friday of the month)
This lively, joyous, participatory service features our talented singers and musicians within our congregation with an emphasis on raising the roof - Beit Tikvah style!

Shabbat Morning Torah Service (A Rabbi-led Service)
A Beit Tikvah-traditional, rabbi-led Shabbat morning service, including a Torah Service, Devar Torah, and discussion. Congregants take part in leading parts of the service, and are offered opportunities to develop their service skills. This service is preceded by "18 Minutes of Torah", a Rabbi-led study of the week's parshat. Child care for those under 5 years of age is offered.

Kol Hano'ar Children's Service
The new Reconstructionist Siddur, Kol Hano'ar (Voice of the Youth), has been released. It is a wonderful mix of full color art and Kavanot (interpretations of prayer) all by young people in our movement. We at Beit Tikvah will be using this inspiring siddur for our monthly Torah services. Enjoy the Devar Torah in a theatrical performance by the children that is sure to delight! The service is geared for Kesher-age children. Parents who accompany younger children are also welcome. Click here for more details.

Kabbalat Shabbat (A Congregant-led Service)
This service is a tradition from our early years encouraging members to participate in hands-on Judaism. Different congregants lead this evening service each month. Service leaders bring their own style and spirit to the service. The Avodah Committee has prepared an instruction manual (complete with pages in the siddur, options, and a sample service) that is available to all members and potential service leaders.

Cosmically Challenged: Exploring the Reconstructionist Universe of Prayer" (A Rabbi-led Service)
Hang on to your goggles! At this Shabbat service, we'll be peering into prayer, Reconstructionist-style. In the context of our usual warm, Friday night service, congregants will participate in an interactive discussion with the Rabbi, where we'll map out the key developments in Reconstructionist worship -- the traditional service, its meaning, history and relevance, and what's happened to it. Bring your cosmic curiosity, your celestial scepticism, and/or your friends. Sing, listen, learn, and enjoy the exploration into prayer and its meaning in the Reconstructionist Universe.

Coming in 2008, by popular request, we will bring back three sessions of the Torah Yoga Minyan!
Join our Rabbi in a unique service accessible to all, regardless of prior experience, combining yoga and Torah. Enjoy a gentle yoga class, integrated with a Shabbat service format that includes music, chanting, Torah messages, and quiet reflection. Click here to read a news story about our Yoga Minyan.

And not really last, and definitely not least....

Community Shabbat Seders and Shabbat-at-the-Table
In alternating months, we offer either a Shabbat Seder at 6:30 pm followed by a Kabbalat Shabbat service or in-home Shabbat dinner experiences we call “Shabbat-at-the-Table.” At the Shabbat Seder, we gather at the synagogue for a Shabbat potluck meal with candle lighting and singing. A brief Kabbalat Shabbat service follows. For our “Shabbat-at-the-Table,” several members of our congregation open their homes for pre-registered people to attend an in-home Kabbalat Shabbat experience and potluck meal. Instruction kits are available to help guide hosts and participants. Each host makes their own Shabbat unique.